When I was Puerto Rican

Author: Esmeralda Santiago
ISBN: 9780679756767

1. Though Santiago's story takes place in several locations, she specifically contrasts two kinds of community: the rural one, represented by Macún, and the urban culture of Brooklyn. What role does 'tradition' play in each society? Could Macún be classified as a 'traditional society'? How cohesive is the family and social unit in Macún? How does the family unit fare when it is transplanted to New York? Would Tata and Chico lead the type of life they do if they were still in Puerto Rico? 2. Much of the book's text and subtext concern the different roles men and women are expected to play in Puerto Rican society. Though the men work hard, they are allowed time for recreation; the women work far harder with no time off at all. Women serve men, but they also scorn them. How do the demands made on men and women differ in this culture? How similar--or different--are attitudes in the United States? How does hostility between men and women affect the Santiagos' lives? 3. Lik

Publisher: Vintage Books
Publish Date: 1993

Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / General, Biography & Autobiography / Women, Social Science / Ethnic Studies / Hispanic American Studies

This book is available in the following Community Centers: Cross-Cultural Center (Location: Literature/Fiction (LITR))